Michael J. Fox ~
Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist by Michael J. Fox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I started reading this book really not knowing much at all about Michael J. Fox, except for the fact that he has Parkinson’s Disease. Of course I knew that he was in “Family Ties” and “Spin City” (although I watched neither show), and I probably watched “Back To The Future” somewhere along the way although I can’t really remember it, so his acting career wasn’t a big lure in me deciding to read this book. The way I have seen him deal publicly with his debilitating diagnosis is what drew me to this book.
If you are hoping to learn a lot about the life of Michael J. Fox, this probably isn’t the book for you. I found this book in the autobiography section of one of my favorite used bookstores. However, I wouldn’t really call this an autobiography. This book is more about his thoughts on things like parenting, politics, the science of Parkinson’s research and other things he is heavily invested in. Nonetheless, I found this book very interesting (aside from the politics section – it slowed me down quite a bit).
Right after I read the section in the book about Rush Limbaugh mocking him on his radio show, Rush Limbaugh infamously called that law student who wants health coverage for birth control a prostitute (among other things). It really is funny how sometimes the things we read run parallel to real life.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is suffering from a debilitating disease of any type or anyone who would just like a more optimistic approach to life in general. I found this book to be very good and I learned while reading it that Michael J. Fox does in fact have an autobiography entitled, “Lucky Man” which I have since purchased and hope to be reading later this year.
Michael J. Fox comes across to me as a VERY intelligent person. He also talks about how he quit high school to pursue his acting career, and that decision obviously did not hold him down in the slightest. He has done extensive charity work and fundraising for Parkinson’s Research and he has pretty much devoted his entire life to this cause since semi-retiring from acting. I think his story is remarkable and I can’t wait to read “Lucky Man” so that I can learn more about him.
About Dawn McAlexander
You have peaked my curiousity. I grew up in the 80′s when Micheal J Fox was starting his career in “ShowBiz” He is very intelligent and an interesting man looking to beat the odds. I’ve watched a PBS special about him and how he is fighting the good fight. It was very interesting to hear of all different things he has tried and far away places he’s been, trying to save himself, for his families’ sake. What a stand up guy! I know people who would just as soon roll over and die than to really do much of anything, thinking the end is near. Not Micheal. He is so searching to find a cure or just the correct medication to help people like him get by in life, without being a burden on their families. I applaude him for not giving up and at least he is helping others realize that it’s not a death sentance.
I do enjoy your blog posts and emails. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Carla K
Twitter: thenewclassy
says:
Thanks a bunch! I hope you really enjoy the book should you decide to read it.
Dawn
This truly looks like a great book. I plan to purchase it for a friend who has MS. I love Michael J Fox and would read anything he wrote. THank you!
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Twitter: thenewclassy
says:
I will be sure to post a review when I read his autobiography, too. I am really glad that I chose to read this book and highly recommend it.
Dawn
Twitter: FabFindsbyTiff
says:
I’m such a huge fan of Micheal J. Fox. I heard about this book but this is the first review I’m read. Thanks for taking the time to share.
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I have always loved and admired MJF, he is such a real person, and such a love for life.
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Karren
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Though I don’t have a dibilitating disease, I do find that I need a douse of optimism in my life these days.
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Twitter: thenewclassy
says:
I agree! I find his attitude really inspiring.
Dawn
I’ve seen Michael J. Fox in several interviews and have always been impressed with his positivity in spite of his disease.
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this looks like a great book to read and i will have to add it to books i need to get. Thank you for posting!
I love Michael J. Fox! I remember watching him on Family Ties and Back to the Future movies when I was a kind. Plus, he’s a fellow Canadian!
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Twitter: thenewclassy
says:
I had read several books about Canadians lately! Shania Twain is a Canadian, too! I didn’t know that Michael J. Fox was though.
Dawn
I’m such a huge fan of Micheal J. Fox. I heard about this book but this is the first review I’m read. Thanks for taking the time to share.